UNIBOA EIGHTEENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION - 2008
May 23 - 26, 2008
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
CLICK HERE TO READ THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONVENTION
2008 CONVENTION THEME: "SOLIDARITY FOR PROGRESS"
A Call for Renewed Commitment to Solidarity and Progress
CONVENTION SUMMARY
The 18th National Convention of the United Bassa Organization in the Americas (UNIBOA) recently took place at the Grand Rio Hotel and Water Park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from May 23-26, 2008 with 9 of its 11 member organizations attending and a call for solidarity in face of challenging events over the last year. Member organizations pledged to continue to work closely together in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, raise their voices and strengthen their position against detractors in order to secure their fundamental interests.
Delegates arrived on Friday, May 23,2008 and attended a Welcome Reception hosted by the Bassa Dorkpah-Minnesota Chapter at the home of President and Mrs. Solomon Reeves .Delegates were quite happy to greet each other and recall pleasantries from the last Convention in Rhode Island. Bassa Dorkpah is a charter member of UNIBOA and has produced two National Presidents and a National Vice President.
The General Assembly is the highest decision making body in UNIBOA. It was held on Saturday, May 24, 2008 with President Alfred M. Dousuah presiding and ably assisted by National Vice President Mr. Scott Mandeh. In welcome remarks, Mr. Solomon Reeves, President of Minnesota Chapter welcomed the delegates to the Twin Cities and reminded them to keep their focus on the purpose for which UNIBOA was founded. He cautioned the delegates to mend fences where there had been broken borders and harness their resources towards positive ideals rather than engaging in divisive politics.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Mydea Reeves-Karpeh made remarks at the Opening Session. She thanked Bassa Dorkpah – UNIBOA Minnesota Chapter for its fruitful work in hosting this year’s Convention and noted that the purpose of this Convention was to use this opportunity to reaffirm the call for unity, solidarity and cooperation among the peoples of the Bassa Counties of Montserrado, Margibi, River Cess and Grand Bassa. Chairman Karpeh further admonished member organizations to endeavor to remain focused on their vision/mission, promote democracy in our relations, work towards stability and development of our member organizations and remain a torch-bearer of Liberian humanitarian affairs. She stressed that change could only be readily achieved in an integrative and tension-defused environment. She endorsed the need to strengthen the activities of UNIBOA and forge partnerships with all stakeholders.
One of the highlight of the session was the visit by Honorable Milton Gbehzohngar Findley, Senior Senator from Grand Bassa County and Hon Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, Former Senior Senator of Grand Bassa County. Other dignitaries present at the Convention included Mr. G. Walter Greenfield who served as the 1st President and former Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Mydea Reeves-Karpeh, Former President and current Chairman of the Board, Mr. James Augustine Redd, Former President, Mr. Thompson Dahn-Saw Former President, Mr. Stephen Barron Zeogar, Former Vice President and Mr. Arthur Garbla, Former National Treasurer. Hon. Kerper Dwanyen, President of the Organization in Minnesota also graced the Convention with his presence.
Hon. Gbehzohngar Findley who came from Liberia to brief the delegates stressed the importance of UNIBOA in the development process of the Bassa Counties. He highlighted the development programs currently being embarked upon including farm to market roads, Junior College, oil exploration and community development projects. He explained in detail the current state of affairs at LAC and asked for the active involvement of the stakeholders, national authorities, social partners and civil society in the resolution of problems in the County. Senator Findley further outlined areas of priority for the future development of the Bassa Counties including infrastructure for education, health, empowerment and employment. He assured the delegates that investments will reach all segments of the society and that priorities will be implemented in a pragmatic way by defining and focusing on national priorities. Senator Findley underscored the need to reconnect citizens of the Bassa Counties in the Diaspora with those at home. He asked UNIBOA to establish communication and partnership with its Legislators to respond to their aspirations and concerns. A lively Question and Answer Session with the Senator ensued as delegates engaged him on several issues including land reform, erosion in Buchanan, building of Refinery, environmental issues, building of Port, oil exploration and financial resources of the Counties.
Similarly, Hon. Thomas Woewiyu spoke of the history of efforts by people from the Bassa Counties dating as far back as the early ‘70’s to effectively collaborate and make a real difference in the Americas and at home. He cautioned the delegates to focus their interventions positively and in unity. He called for greater coherence and synergy in order to achieve a real impact Hon. Woewiyu also expressed the need for a political action unit in UNIBOA that would respond to political issues that affect our people. He felt that UNIBOA needed to establish a Federation to address the formation of the Grand Bassa Association and River Cess County Association.
Member organizations presented their Chapter Reports to the General Assembly. Reports came from Minnesota Chapter (Solomon Reeves), North Carolina Chapter (Brucein Myers), North Jersey (James Horace), Pennsylvania (Benedict Roberts), Rhode Island (Martha Charley) and South Jersey (Sayah Richardson). Other Chapters present included Texas, Michigan and Washington DC.
President Dousuah appointed a Resolution Committee Chaired by James Augustine Redd, James Horace-Co-Chair, Ben Roberts, Martha Gargar-Charley and Phillip Vambram to review the recommendations from plenary, member organizations and delegates at large.
In his State of The Union Address, President Alfred M. Dousuah assured the delegates that the Union was strong and remains on course. He outlined the various projects and programs UNIBOA has been engaged in including the Training of Nursing Students at Mother Patten School of Nursing, support to orphanages and Mission for Liberia, Death Benefits of $1000 to member families who died, contribution to Erosion Disaster Victims, Books project to Schools in Paynesbury and UNIBOA’s Community Center Project. He praised the member organizations for their support over the year and commended those Chapters who responded to his survey to address the emerging issues in UNIBOA. The Survey results underscored the challenges involved in a multisectoral approach to development in the Bassa Counties. He suggested that there would be a freeze on the Scholarship Program until these student nurses who are currently in the program graduate and the selection process will be looked at critically. However, the Community Center Project will remain the major focus of our activity over the next year.
In addition President Dousuah.suggested effective advocacy through community action groups, continued support to Mission for Liberia and orphanages and the establishment of a Youth wing will remain the successful ingredient of accomplishing our goals over the next year. He urged member organizations to focus on building community network and systems with key partners and stakeholders. He admonished the delegates that to achieve the goals and objectives of UNIBOA continued efforts and commitment are needed to mobilize sufficient human and financial resources to strengthen institutional capacities and to nurture stronger partnerships with all stakeholders. Currently, UNIBOA is being registered as a non-profit organization in Liberia. With renewed vigor, UNIBOA was on the course to surpass the achievements of the last 18 years.
Mr. Phillip Vambram who had served as Acting Secretary for the last two Conventions was unanimously selected as Secretary of UNIBOA. The Assembly commended Mr. Vambram for the fine job he did at documenting the events of the previous Convention and requested that he would send out the Minutes prior to the Convention so that Chapters would make any necessary changes as needed prior to coming to the Convention.
The Financial Report was also presented to the General Assembly as provided by the Constitution by Mr. Ernest W. Simmons, National Treasurer. This Report will be sent to the Board of Directors for appropriate action. The Assembly commended Mr. Simmons for his dedication and commitment to keeping the financial records in order.
President Dousuah also appointed an Election Commission. Members of the Election Commission are Ousley Early of Minnesota as Chairman, Alice Suah of Rhode Island as Co-Chair, Paul Giadyu of Minnesota as Secretary, Harrison Duncan of Michigan as Member and Theresa Reeves of Minnesota as member. This Commission will plan and conduct the next elections to be held in 2009.
On Saturday, May 24, 2008 the Grand Social Ball and Raffle Drawing also took place. Five prizes were awarded to winners. Prizes included a computer, camera,
On Sunday, May 25, 2008, the delegate attended a Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service at 11:00 AM at the Ebenezer Community Church in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The Intercessory Service was blessed with a sermon which Theme was: ‘Never Give Up” preached by the Guest Preacher; the Rev. Dr. John B. Cole, Pastor of New First Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia. The service was climaxed with powerful words of praises from the Pastor of Ebenezer Community Church, the Rev. Dr. Francis O. S. Tabla, Sr. At this moment, the presence of UNIBOA’s delegate “visitors” were acknowledged and welcomed to the church. Rev. Dr. Tabla admonished the delegate and UNIBOA as a whole for its endeavors of helping its people in the Bassa counties. Before the service ended, the President of UNIBOA, Mr. Alfred Dousuah was introduced to the congregation as President of the Bassa Organization who was visiting with them with his delegates from various states. The President was then given the opportunity to make remarks.
Following the church service delegates went to homes of several friends and family members for lunch as well as the home of President and Mrs. Solomon Reeves. Sporting and sight-seeing activities had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
The final session of the Convention was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Reeves. There was discussion of the chart used to determine which Chapters would host Conventions over the next 10 years. Because consensus could not be reached on this matter it was agreed to review this at the next Board meeting. Philadelphia was selected as the venue of the 2009 Convention. Mr. Ben Roberts, President of Pennsylvania Chapter thanked the delegates and assured them that Pennsylvania will do all it can to successfully host the Convention.
The keynote speaker for the National Banquet and Queen Contest was Mr. William K. Finney, Former Chief of Police of the City of St. Paul. Mr. Finney has an impressive record in law enforcement and is credited with advocating for strong community based policing. Under his leadership, the St.Paul Police Department implemented a ground breaking agreement with the local chapter of NAACP to address issues of racial profiling and race relations in St. Paul.
In his remarks, Mr. Finney enumerated UNIBOA’s contributions over the last 18 years and commended the organization for its accomplishments as a humanitarian organization. He called on members to continue to set qualified targets to address development challenges. UNIBOA must continue to play an active role in advocacy, information sharing, exchange of best practices and capacity building. Ownership of these goals within a supportive and enabling environment was essential. He stressed the need for linkages with our African-American friends and the need for measures to strengthen coordination of activities. UNIBOA was now 18 years old and this was the time to reach maturity. He stressed the need for renewed drive to accomplish the implementation challenge.
The outgoing Queen Her Royal Highness Ms. Dell Attoh from Rhode Island made her grand entrance at the Ball. Other Queens were Julia Dousuah from North Jersey and Linda Vashti Clarke from Minnesota. Ms Clarke captured the crown and became the 2009 Miss UNIBOA. Congratulations were expressed to Miss Clarke who was crowned and sashed by Ms. Tomah Roberts, Ambassador and Former Miss UNIBOA.
Mrs. Georgette Gray of Minnesota served as MC for both the Social and Banquet. UNIBOA wishes to thank Mrs. Gray for her services. Special commendations are expressed to Financial Secretary Mr. James Kelly, Arthur Soben and Hawa Dahn-Saw for their academic achievements. Congratulations are also in order to all graduates and their parents.
Delegates returned to their home states enlightened, empowered and committed to the actions needed for a new approach to put our house in order and show that YUNABOAI (The Child has grown up) is able and ready to attain the goals and objectives of our founders.
